<Match Preview>
Tokyo will enter a tight schedule of 3 games in 3 days. They will face Kansai teams Gamba Osaka, Vissel Kobe, and Kyoto Sanga F.C. First, they will play away against Gamba Osaka.
The opponent was in 16th place in the playoff zone at the time of the game, and in order to break out of the relegation battle, they changed coaches in the final stage. Although they lost to Sagan Tosu in the previous match, they had won consecutive matches against Nagoya Grampus and Avispa Fukuoka in the previous match, and have steadily accumulated points since the appointment of coach Hiroshi MATSUDA.
The first half of the match was the first J1 League game held at the Japan National Stadium, where Tokyo won with 2 goals from Adailton and Leandro.
For Tokyo, regardless of the opponent's ranking, the key to this match will be how well we can maintain possession of the ball and maintain our own style of taking control of the game. Not only the performance in the match, but also the pursuit of a third consecutive victory since the start of the season will be important in this match.
In the previous match, we didn't back down against Yokohama F.Marinos, who are competing for the top spot, and created many decisive chances from our passing play, taking advantage of their weaknesses. We managed to equalize the 2-point deficit from set plays and earned 1 point. Although we had the potential to win, there is still a challenge of converting chances into goals. We will use overcoming this challenge as motivation and give our all on the pitch this match, aiming to bring back 3 points to Tokyo.
[Albert PUIG ORTONEDA Interview]
Q: Will you give it your all in the first game of the three-game series?
A, of course, I am completely focused on tomorrow's game in terms of tactical aspects and concentration. However, I need to consider player selection as we have three consecutive matches.
Q: G Osaka may have changed their coach and system since the last match. What is your current impression?
A, because time has passed, I think this match will be a completely different battle from the first half of the season. First of all, both teams have grown over time. I think that each match is different. And as we approach the end of the season, I think that the ranking will also affect the match. In that sense, it is expected to be a significantly different match from the first half of the season. However, I am focused on pushing forward in the direction we aim for. Whether the opposing team is Yokohama FM, Kawasaki, or G Osaka, I want to concentrate only on what we do without changing.
Q: What do you think Tokyo needs to do in order to win games and further grow, considering they are playing good football?
A, I think there is an influence of mental elements on the team's growth. In any industry or field, I believe that the feeling of improvement and growth leads to results, as it becomes confidence in what we are doing. Of course, we want to play well, but the reason for that is to win the game. However, I don't want to think that we have to win. I don't think it's necessary for myself or the team to put pressure on ourselves. There is also necessary pressure. That is, in each daily game and practice, we must always feel pressure to win against the opponent in front of us as professionals, to win this game, and to perform at our best in practice. I think that is the way a professional should be.
Q: Do you have any particular focus on aiming for the AFC Champions League based on the results of the three consecutive matches?
I am very interested in what can happen in the world of soccer, but do you think there are players who step onto the pitch wanting to lose when a match is right in front of them? The media, fans, and supporters all express their desire for us, the coaches and players, to show a desire to win, and I believe they feel that way. However, it is natural for everyone to want to win a match, and I think it is something that does not need to be stated. We have been playing with the intention of winning in our previous matches as well. However, when changing our soccer style, even if we want to win the match, there is a possibility and risk of losing the match due to the desire for the team's growth. Nevertheless, the desire to win is something that naturally exists in this world. I don't think it needs to be reiterated or emphasized. Right now, there are 24 points in front of us. If possible, it is what everyone expects to take all 24 points (in the next 8 matches). I believe that not only us but all teams think that way. However, it is impossible for all teams to take all points because there are wins and losses in each match. For example, let's say one of the fans or supporters says that we must win the match. However, the feeling that we must win and want to win is a feeling that everyone naturally has. What I expect in the medium to long term is that if we can properly grow this playing style, this style will lead to many victories for the team in a continuous and stable manner. However, I will repeat that both the players and I want to win every match even during the growth process.
[Player Interview]
＜Ryoma WATANABE＞
Q, how is the condition including the three consecutive games?
A, it will be an important three-game series, and regardless of whether I play or not, I want to prepare myself to be able to fight all three games at full strength by getting my condition in order.
Q, there have been many scenes where we have been able to break the opponent's defense well while holding the ball in the attacking situation, and the number of goals has also increased in the past few matches.
I think our team has become more solid in attack because everyone can contribute. On the other hand, we have been conceding more goals, so that is an area that we need to improve as a team. We want to raise our awareness and improve our ability to transition after losing the ball, especially since we have been able to score.
Q: What impression do you have of G Osaka?
There is an impression that there are fast players vertically and good players on the side half. I hope we can play at our own pace while holding the ball so that we are not given a chance.
Q, where is the key point to win the game?
A, I think the opponent is playing in a 4-4-2 formation, so if we can create a numerical advantage in their midfield, I believe we can move forward. We have gradually improved in terms of ball circulation at the back, and I think it's important to see how we can exploit the opponent's defense in the attacking phase.
Q, I think there are many scenes where the ball settles down at Watanabe's place and chances are created when watching the game.
A, there are still scenes where we lose the ball due to simple mistakes. There were a few instances in the Yokohama FM match, so we need to eliminate them and aim to play a role in scoring.
Q, please tell us your enthusiasm for the game.
This is the first match of a 3-game series, and I think it will be an important match to determine our position in the standings based on the results of these 3 matches. First, we want to secure 3 points in the match against G Osaka and build momentum for the team.
